Townsend Housing Authority

The Townsend Housing Authority studies the housing needs of the Town and provides programs to make available low income housing for families and elderly of low income.The Housing Authority facilitates the Town of Townsends goal to reach an equitable number of affordable housing units, by researching the best use of the town’s developable resources, seeking state and federal funding where possible, and development of Local Initiative Projects which will bring affordable rentals and ownership units to Townsend. The Housing Authority facilitates development of housing which meets the needs of the community and fits appropriately with Townsends rural character. It also supports the work of the Townsend Local Project Committee in bringing new homes to town under Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.Townsend Housing Authority272 Main Street Townsend, MA 01469

Council On Aging

The Council on Aging is responsible for identifying the needs of Townsend's elderly population; designing, promoting, implementing and coordinating services to fill those needs; promoting and supporting other programs which assist elderly persons in the community: and collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs.This task is accomplished through various activities including:•Operation of the Senior Center at 222 Main Street •The Monday Morning Breakfast Club with Speakers •Golden Age Club •File Of Life Cards & "Safe Seniors" program •Bingo, Knitting Corner & other Recreation programs •Senior Pharmacy Program •Coordination of Road Runner •Health Clinics & Exercise Classes •Education Programs •Outreach and Counseling •Advocacy, including Long Term Care Ombudsman, a program of Montachusett Home Care Corporation •Meals on Wheels Office Hours - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Memorial Hall Office Postal addressCouncil on Aging272 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469

United Way of North Central Massachusetts

The Greater Boston Food Bank

The Greater Boston Food bank distributes approximately 30 million pounds of food and grocery products to more than 600 member hunger-relief agencies thoughout Eastern Massachusetts in a dedicated partnership to end hunger in our region.Website - http://www.gbfb.org/Address99 Atkinson StreetBoston, MA 02118

Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores.How to applyOffice location473 Main StreetFitchburg, MA01420

WIC

WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who qualify.You can participate in WIC if you:•Live in Massachusetts•Have a nutritional need (WIC staff can help you determine this)•Are a child under 5, a new mom, or a pregnant or breastfeeding woman•Have a family income less than WIC guidelines Phone - 1-800-WIC-1007Office locationNorth Central WIC Program326 Nichols RoadSuite 14Fitchburg, MA 01420978-345-6272 x1

Fuel Assistance

There are several programs in Massachusetts to help low-income households pay for their heating fuel and other utilities. Government help is available to pay for fuel, weatherization, and heating system repairs. In addition, low-income customers can get utility discounts, utility shutoff protection, and help from non-government programs.For a list of programs and application information click here.Or call: 978-342-4520

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities responds to the needs of the poor and working poor, provides supportive services to children and families, and assists refugees and immigrants as they become active participants in their communities. We offer approximately 140 programs and services in 40 locations across Eastern Massachusetts, which allows us to help nearly 200,000 people each year. This work accomplishes our mission of building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. Website - http://www.ccab.org/Address:75 Kneeland St. 8th FloorBoston, MA 02111 617-482-5440

First Call For Help

Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services - from finding an after-school program to securing adequate care for a child or an aging parent. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies and help-lines, people often don't know where to turn. In many cases, people end up going without these necessary services because they do not know where to start. 2-1-1 helps people find and give help.2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The implementation of 2-1-1 is being spearheaded by United Ways and comprehensive and specialized information and referral agencies in states and local communities. United Way of America (UWA) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) strongly support federal funding so that every American has access to this essential service.You can call 211 Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm.